Lorenzen back as Huskies' top QB

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT), Neill Ostrout Staff Writer

Published 1:00 am, Saturday, August 9, 2008

STORRS -- Quarterback Tyler Lorenzen's demotion to second string didn't last very long. The senior practiced with the first team on Thursday and will probably stay there for the remainder of the preseason.

"The bottom line is I have to perform," Lorenzen said Friday.

Zach Frazer had replaced Lorenzen with the starters earlier this week. Head coach
Randy Edsall
said it won't be the last time this month that a backup is given the chance to prove himself with first string.

"That's going to happen as we go through preseason camp," Edsall said. "To me that's just part of the process."

TODMAN WILL PLAY: Only two of the Huskies' class of true freshmen are likely to see the field this season, and it's going to be impossible to keep
Jordan Todman
on the shelf. The first-year speedster from North Dartmouth, Mass., will see some kind of action in 2008.

"There will be a role for Jordan this year," Edsall said. "What that role will be is still to be determined."

Todman is almost certainly to return punts for the Huskies and could serve as a kick returner, too. The Huskies also may find a few offensive plays -- he's listed as a running back -- for Todman.

"I definitely feel I'll be able to have an impact on the team," Todman said.

The mystery has to exactly how fast Todman is remains unanswered. The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder says he hasn't been timed in the 40-yard dash for nearly two years but says he could probably run a 4.3.

"Hopefully, when I get on the field I'll be able to show them how fast I am," Todman said.

The other true freshman likely to see action is wide receiver Michael Smith.

EXTRA POINTS:
Alex Molina
, a sophomore wide receiver from Waterford, was given the "Iron Husky" award in the offseason for his work in the weight room. ... Running back
Robbie Frey
, linebacker
Lawrence Wilson
and linebacker
Greg Robinson
all sprained ankles in recent practices.